Kamsah dipper container

ABSTRACT

A container comprises a base layer having a raised perimeter outlining a shape of the base layer; and a plurality of components releasably engaged to the base layer, wherein the plurality of components are arranged on the base layer, wherein adjacent components contact an outer perimeter of each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of components is disposed at a center of the base layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of serving trays and containers. More particularly to a container having removable components for versatile applications.

2. Description of Related Art

People gather for any number of reasons. Generally food is provided during gatherings to facilitate communication, memories, experiences, and relationships. Where multiple people get together, it is beneficial to present food in a communal location through the use of a serving dish capable of holding a large amount of food and related items.

Where there are more than one food item being prepared and offered, multiple dishes are generally required as various food items are inappropriate to present in contact with one another. A prime example is where a food item is presented in conjunction with a dip or a sauce. Generally vegetable trays or fruit trays will present the fruit or vegetable with some type of dip intended to be enjoyed with the food.

Currently, serving trays are provided having a single separated surface comprised of a number of barriers or channels. Due to manufacturing restraints, these barriers are generally rounded and shallow to maximize manufacturing ability and commercial retail. This presents a problem, as such barriers are ineffective to separate the foods.

Further, serving trays have not departed from traditional configurations or very simple features based on a utilitarian approach to traditionally serving multiple food items at the same time to multiple people. This is not ideal for gatherings involving cultural, religious, or personal significance.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a serving tray that allows for adequate separation of multiple food items with a variable and adaptable surface. A food tray is needed that can also act to represent the personal interests of the user's culture or characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A container comprises a base layer having a raised perimeter outlining a shape of the base layer; and a plurality of components releasably engaged to the base layer, wherein the plurality of components are arranged on the base layer, wherein adjacent components contact an outer perimeter of each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of components is disposed at a center of the base layer.

In an embodiment, the base layer has a central portion having a larger surface area than a plurality of projections extending outward therefrom.

In an embodiment, the plurality of projections terminate in a curved perimeter.

In an embodiment, the base layer is generally shaped like a hand.

In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of components is disposed at a center of the base layer, wherein the at least one of the plurality of components is generally almond shaped. In other embodiments, the shape may be circular or solar (sun-like).

In an embodiment, the container further comprises a textured material covering a top of the base layer, wherein the textured material retains the plurality of components disposed thereon.

In an embodiment, a plurality of clips retain each of the plurality of components onto the base layer.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Kamsah Dipper Container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of Kamsah Dipper Container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of Kamsah Dipper Container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of Kamsah Dipper Container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of Kamsah Dipper Container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a upper side elevation view of Kamsah Dipper Container, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a lower side elevation view of Kamsah Dipper Container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-7, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a Kamsah Dipper Container has a base layer and multiple separate compartments releasably engaged with the base layer. The multiple compartments are configured to provide a three dimensional perspective of the shape of the base layer. For example, the Hamsa is generally shaped like a hand, and is also called “The Hand of God”; “Hand of Fatima”; and “Hand of Meriem” or “Khamsa”. Such a configuration provides for a plurality of digits or finger-shaped projections from a palm. In the center of the palm is an eye-shaped or circular element. The base layer in such a configuration a symbol outlines the general shape whereby a perimeter of the base layer forms the outer edges and a material spans the surface area within the perimeter. The multiple compartments are arranged according to this shape such that at least five separate compartments are disposed where the finger-shaped projections are. The central eye-shape has a compartment.

Both in Hebrew and Arabic, hamsa (khamsa) means the number five which is in reference to the five fingers of the hand which if tilted or looking upwards stops and blocks the evil eye or any negative energy whereas if looking downwards brings good luck and welcomes positive energy and positive vibes

FIG. 3 illustrates each of the multiple compartments have a base with one or more sidewalls extending upward therefrom. The base layer of each compartment corresponds to the outline of the perimeter of the section base layer upon which the compartment sits. For example, with the hamsa-shaped container, the finger-shaped projections extend outward to a curved section. In this configuration, the compartment placed upon the finger projection would have a curved base on one end and a base configured to engage nearby compartments, such as the eye-shaped compartment which would have an oval or almond-shaped base.

The compartments are releasably attached to the base layer with a friction fit whereby each of the multiple compartments are pressed against the base layer and a perimeter of a contacting edge of the compartment engages a raised perimeter of the base layer in a friction fit.

In an alternative embodiment, the base layer has a first clip portion configured to engage a second clip portion disposed on a contacting surface of the compartment disposed thereon.

In alternative embodiment, the base layer has a textured surface, which promotes positive contact between the base layer and a bottom surface of each of the compartments. For example, when a compartment is placed on the base layer, the textured surface prevents the compartment from slipping off

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the container. The surface of the different separable compartments of the container may have specific colors and patterns provided on a visible surface to represent various cultural, personal, or belief based needs and desired outcomes for the user.

The Hamsa has been known as a symbol of protection that also represents blessings, power and strength, and is seen as potent in deflecting the evil eye and bad luck. Presented with a variety of colors and patterns, it can be customized to represent the specific attributes required by the user. For example, certain colors represent desired qualities in addition to the shape of the container. Placement of the container within a home, for example hung on the doorways of rooms, placed atop decorating objects such as nightstands, tables, armoires etc., can further accentuate the underlying meaning and symbolism of the container beyond its capabilities of holding various objects. The finger projections are generally spread apart or as closed together. Belief on the difference relates to warding off negative feeling or to bring good luck, respectively.

The eye shaped component in the center of the container 1 s provided for additional function beyond the holding of objects placed therein. Specifically, to prevent or inhibit negative energy. Further, the number of finger projections relates to a specific number of days of the week. For example, Thursday is the fifth day of the week and the five fingers can relate to such a day for positivity and positive energy.

FIGS. 4-7 shows side views of the dish with the sidewalls of the container and compartments depicted.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope. 

I claim:
 1. A container comprising: a. a base layer having a raised perimeter outlining a shape of the base layer; and b. a plurality of components releasably engaged to the base layer, wherein the plurality of components are arranged on the base layer, wherein adjacent components contact an outer perimeter of each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of components is disposed at a center of the base layer.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base layer has a central portion having a larger surface area than a plurality of projections extending outward therefrom.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the plurality of projections terminate in a curved perimeter.
 4. The container of claim 2, wherein the base layer is generally shaped like a hand.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of components is disposed at a center of the base layer, wherein the at least one of the plurality of components is generally almond shaped.
 6. The container of claim 1, further comprising a textured material covering a top of the base layer, wherein the textured material retains the plurality of components disposed thereon.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein a plurality of clips retain each of the plurality of components onto the base layer. 